Wednesday 16 December 2020

Masons Marks in the Loire Valley


Some of the architectural details to be seen on old buildings in the Loire Valley are not very easy to spot, and some people would not consider them important. But we take a different view.

As well as all the fine carving and fancy decoration, stone cutters and masons traditionally left individual marks on the stones they worked on. They were like a signature, put there to ensure the stone cutter got paid for each block he had cut. As you can imagine, there is a whole other history of the building that can be told by looking at masons' marks. We will also look at carpenters marks, witch marks and grafitti. They all have something fascinating to say.

Masons marks on an old building. Indre et Loire. France. Photo by Loire Valley Time Travel.
Masons marks on our medieval barn.

To enquire about our private guided tours of chateaux, wineries, markets and more email us or use our contact form. More tour ideas can be found on the Loire Valley Time Travel website.